Experience the culture, history and natural beauty of Cuba with Wilderness & Travel Medicine and Bio Bio Expeditions!
From the moment you land in Havana, Cuba, you will begin to see why those who travel to Cuba can’t help but fall in the love with the country and it’s people. Your trip will include visits to Revolution Square and El Morrow Castle for a look at the varied history of Cuba. You will also get many opportunities to see everyday life, including a farmers’ market visit to see La Libreta, the ration book system, in use as well as a visit to an organic farm to learn of the famous tobacco cultivation.
You then go to the countryside for snorkeling at Cueva de los Peces, located in the Bay of Pigs. Hiking in the Topes de Collantes National Park will be a welcome reprieve from the heat of the valley as the park is situated at 2,600 feet!
As you are traveling to Cuba under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel, you will be interacting with local civil society, supporting private enterprises and entrepreneurs and engaging in a full time schedule of activities while there. Along the way, your accommodations will be bed and breakfasts where you can interact with locals on a much more personal level. You will also be guided by expert local guides who take pride in their country and as such, like to give you the most authentic experience possible.
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1
Arrive in Havana, Cuba by 11am. After meeting your guide and group at 1pm, you will visit Revolution Square followed by lunch at a charming private enterprise restaurant. Then, tour El Morro Fortress with your local guide before checking into your private bed and breakfasts and meeting your hosts. Evening orientation and dinner. (L+D)
Day 2
Walking excursion of Old Havana highlighting small businesses and entrepreneurs followed by a bicycle taxi to a local farmers’ market to learn about La Libreta, the ration book system in Cuba. Evening visit to Jose Fuster’s house, a well-known Cuba artist with dinner in his home.(B+L+D)
Day 3
Early morning drive through the Cuban countryside to Vinales Valley where you will visit local farmers and learn about tobacco cultivation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a short hike through the beautiful Vinales Valley led by a local expert guide. (B+L)
Day 4
In the morning, you will have a meeting with the Antonio Jiminez Foundation, then explore Havana by electric bike led by local biking experts. Following lunch, you will drive to Playa Larga and check-in to your bed and breakfast. (B+L+D)
Day 5
After breakfast talk with a conservationist and Cuba’s environmental efforts. Snorkeling at Cueva de los Peces and lunch nearby at a private paladar. After lunch, depart for Cienfuegos and enjoy a walking tour that includes talking with local vendors and a stop at the Casa de la Cultura. Continuing on to Trinidad, where you will check into your bed and breakfast for the next 2 nights. (B+L+D)
Day 6
Hiking in Topes de Collantes National Park led by a local guide followed by a traditional lunch in the countryside. Visit a women’s crochet cooperative in the afternoon with a sunset walk of Trinidad in the early evening. (B+L)
Day 7
After breakfast, you will return to Havana and tour Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s home when he lived in Cuba. Lunch in the picturesque fishing village of Cojimar followed by visiting art galleries or San Jose Handicraft Market, where many private entrepreneurs sell their goods. Farewell dinner in a private paladar. (B+L+D)
Day 8
After breakfast, departure flight for home. (B)
(Legend: B = Breakfast included , L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included)
Flexibility and Patience
As with many travel experiences, flexibility and patience are key to having a positive experience on your trip. Especially in Cuba, things are changing very rapidly. Your itinerary is subject to change, and your local guide will do their best to keep you informed and up to date with any changes in scheduled activities.
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